Global Security Newswire

An advanced U.S. missile defense system drew nearer to operational status after a successful test last weekend, Senator Sam Brownback said yesterday (see GSN, April 27).

The Airborne Laser is a converted 747-400F jumbo jet that uses sophisticated technology to target and destroy ballistic missiles.

"The ABL continues to make history," Brownback (R-Kan.) said in a press release. "Last Saturday, for the first time, a boosting missile was tracked by lasers able to compensate for atmospheric conditions and remain locked on target for an extended period of time."

The aircraft is fitted with three types of laser: one to track the missile, one to account for atmospheric elements, and a third to shoot down a missile in its boost phase of flight.

The Airborne Laser program is one of several missile defense efforts that have been targeted for funding reductions in the proposed fiscal 2010 Defense Department budget. The Pentagon wants to scrap plans for a second specially equipped aircraft (see GSN, April 7).

Continued testing of the system is scheduled for this summer, followed by an effort to destroy a mock enemy missile in the fall.

"Especially with North Korea's recent provocative behavior, ABL's progress is more important than ever," Brownback said in the release (U.S. Senator Sam Brownback release, June 8).